Latest news with #PauGasol
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo fuels Los Angeles Lakers trade buzz after sitting with Pau Gasol at WNBA All-Star
Bam Adebayo might or might not join the L.A. Lakers (Image via Getty Images) A picture of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo sitting next to Pau Gasol at the WNBA All-Star Game sparked speculation about a possible trade as the NBA offseason heats up. Together with the Los Angeles Lakers icon, the NBA player attended Saturday night's WNBA All-Star Game. Now, after the picture went viral, fans couldn't resist igniting the trade rumors, even though the encounter might have been a harmless coincidence. Speculation grows around Bam Adebayo as Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors gain steam after WNBA All-Star Game Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo has been the subject of several trade rumors this offseason. Additionally, he has also been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers after he was seen at the WNBA All-Star Game with Pau Gasol. The picture was shared on X and has triggered a frenzy of trade rumors. Bam Adebayo's closeness with former L.A. Lakers player has led many to wonder if there is more to the meeting than meets the eye. The timing is especially interesting because the Miami Heat player has been connected to trade negotiations with the L.A. Lakers. The rumor is further supported by the picture of Bam Adebayo wearing yellow trousers. Even if there aren't any obvious links between the two sides, it didn't stop the fans from speculating. This offseason, the NBA icon has received a considerable amount of interest from trade rumors, especially when it comes to the Purple and Gold. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Premium 3 & 4 BHK ( 1079 - 1829 ) from ₹72.03 Lacs* at Jessore Road Srijan Realty Learn More Undo As the Miami Heat are up for a pivotal summer, Bam Adebayo's future is a big worry. As the draft and free agency approach, this appearance has intensified speculation about a possible Heat-Lakers trade. Bam Adebayo in action for the Miami Heat (Image via Getty Images) Even though some Miami Heat supporters are anxious about a possible move involving Bam Adebayo, there is a possibility that nothing is actually going to happen. Pau Gasol has always been a supporter of women's basketball and the WNBA . On the other hand, A'ja Wilson, Bam Adebayo's partner, was starting for Team Clark in the All-Star Game. It is much more likely that they were just sitting together, given the overlap of events. However, one thing is certain: regardless of whether it's a random incident or a signal of some future trade event, the NBA offseason is anything but dull. Also read: Kevin Love reacts to three-team trade involving Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and LA Clippers Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pau Gasol on how difficult it was to tell Kobe Bryant he would leave the Lakers: "He was very supportive and he understood"
Pau Gasol on how difficult it was to tell Kobe Bryant he would leave the Lakers: "He was very supportive and he understood" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Pau Gasol could never have imagined that his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers would earn him a brother for life. But that's the relationship he built with Kobe Bryant after he joined the team in 2008. Advertisement Gasol and Bryant clicked immediately, with skill sets complementing each other perfectly. They developed mutual trust and respect, which translated into success on the court — the duo went to three straight Finals between 2008 and 2010, winning two of them. Winning back-to-back Finals MVPs, Bryant silenced all his critics, who believed he could never win without Shaquille O'Neal. However, he never forgot to credit Gasol for his contributions to the 2009 and 2010 championship runs. So, when Gasol decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls in 2014, he knew breaking the news to Bryant wasn't going to be easy. "It was difficult. We have a close friendship. We've been through a lot together, and I'm sure I will miss him. But we talked to each other, and our relationship goes beyond basketball, and we'll always have a friendship," said Gasol, who spent almost seven seasons on the Lakers. Advertisement "It was difficult to talk to him, but he was very supportive and he understood. He just said I had to do what was best for me and what felt right for me, and he was going to support me no matter what. That's what friends and brothers do, and that's what we are," he added. Bringing out Bryant's soft side Bryant was aloof. He always minded his own business, even when interacting with his teammates away from the court. But the Spaniard was an exception. Bryant's drive and obsession with winning often made him overlook the perspective of others, which is a primary reason why he earned the tag of a difficult teammate during his career. However, his friendship with Gasol helped him develop this facet of his personality. Advertisement The seven-footer once revealed how he brought out Bryant's soft side. "He's a big brother I never had. He had a very kind and loving side. I think that's something I influence in a way. I said it's okay to be normal, to be vulnerable or soft at times. He was trying to be the best father in the world. He embraced his daughters. That kindness, that softness, that love from a dad to a daughter," stated Gasol. Related: Rick Fox explains why Kobe never hung out with other teammates: "He was on a course and any minute or day wasted doing something else was going to slow him down getting to that point" A special bond with Kobe's family Gasol spent a lot of time with the Bryant family, so much so that he was named Godfather to Kobe and Vanessa's eldest daughter, Natalia. Mrs. Bryant, meanwhile, was the godmother to Gasol's first child, Elisabet Gianna. Advertisement After the tragic passing of Kobe and Gianna, Pau made sure to stand by Vanessa and her daughters. The two families continue to spend quality time together, whether it's celebrating birthdays or taking trips together. Gasol is undoubtedly the type of friend everyone wants in their lives. His commitment and care towards the Bryant family speak volumes about him as an individual. The same was the case when he was teammates with the Lakers legend. Unfortunately, their iconic run had to come to an end. Related: Kobe Bryant said Lakers fans didn't appreciate Pau Gasol: "For a guy that has two championships to be treated that way, you don't do that" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"I never fell in love with the U.S. culture, the NBA has become a business" - Ricky Rubio shares why he was disappointed in the NBA
"I never fell in love with the U.S. culture, the NBA has become a business" - Ricky Rubio shares why he was disappointed in the NBA originally appeared on Basketball Network. Ricky Rubio's rise to stardom had its roots in humble beginnings, launching when he made his professional debut for Joventut in Spain's ACB League, just before turning 15. Advertisement By the age of 19, he was already the starting point guard for a national team featuring Pau and Marc Gasol, stepping in for Jose Calderon. At the same time, he was preparing for the NBA, having been selected fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, picked ahead of Stephen Curry. Things were going fast for Rubio, to say the least. In an interview for Spanish Lo de Evole, Rubio opened up about that period of his career and how difficult it truly was for him. "Did I really want this? I think I did. But the question is how much of it came from pressure," he said. "As a kid, I dreamed of playing my entire career for Joventut. I would have played 15 minutes from home, surrounded by friends — that's what I gave up for the NBA. Sure, my career was great, but maybe I would've been happier as a person." "In Minnesota, I lived with my best friend. One night we went out to dinner and I didn't say a single word for an hour, because I was thinking about a loss. That's something I regret. I didn't make friends, just teammates," the Spanish playmaker added. "Because of my personality, it's hard for me to open up... Convos in the locker room, 'What kind of car do you drive?'—they meant nothing to me. That doesn't make you a better person." Advertisement "I was a star in Minneapolis; it was the early days of YouTube, which helped. I had to create a persona, even though I didn't want to. I never fell in love with U.S. culture, but the NBA became a show and a business. The love for basketball has been lost, and that's spreading to Europe. What do I carry from the U.S.? A list of things I would never do," Rubio continued. Ricky was affected by the business side of the league It's clear the harsh business side of the NBA left a deep mark on someone so young. He was far from home, unprepared for what was coming — not just on the court, but in life. His career started strong as he flirted with a double-double average as a rookie and was widely seen as one of the most entertaining and impactful players on both ends of the court. Advertisement Still, somewhere along the way, his trajectory slowed down. Far from a failed career, but ever since he stepped onto a professional court at 14, the burden on his shoulders had been immense. Eventually, after 13 years in the league, Rubio snapped, announcing a temporary break from the game due to depression. "One night, I was in the hotel room, and I just said I don't want to go on. Not with basketball, but with life," Rubio admitted. Related: "Because making all this money on these kids and not educating them is a travesty" - When Charles Barkley slammed the NCAA's $11B industry for failing student-athletes The NBA world represented everything he never wanted to be It's clear that at a crucial time, when he was transitioning from a boy to a man, the behavior of some older teammates left a lasting negative impression that deeply affected his mental state. Advertisement As Rubio himself best described, he grew up in a humble household with strong values. In his eyes, the NBA world represented everything he had never wanted to become. That disconnect ultimately echoed in his performances. Rubio seems to have won the most important battle — the one off the court, but we never quite got to see the full potential of the gifted floor general on the court. Related: Rick Fox explains why Kobe never hung out with other teammates: "He was on a course and any minute or day wasted doing something else was going to slow him down getting to that point" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kobe Bryant's legacy lives on as Vanessa Bryant shares emotional birthday post for Pau Gasol
Kobe Bryant's legacy lives on as Vanessa Bryant shares emotional birthday post for Pau Gasol (Image Source: Getty Images) A simple birthday post on Instagram just reminded the world of one of basketball's most beautiful friendships. Vanessa Bryant shared a heartfelt message for Pau Gasol on his 44th birthday. The photo showed Pau with Vanessa and Natalia Bryant, who wore a green dress and a 'Love' necklace. The sweet moment touched fans everywhere and proved that family can go far beyond blood or the game. Vanessa Bryant's birthday post for Pau Gasol included Natalia Bryant On July 6, Vanessa Bryant shared a birthday post for Pau Gasol on Instagram. Pau, the former Lakers player and longtime family friend, turned 44. The post showed Pau smiling beside Vanessa and Natalia Bryant, her eldest daughter with late NBA star Kobe Bryant . Kobe Bryant's legacy lives on as Vanessa Bryant shares emotional birthday post for Pau Gasol (Image Source: Instagram) Natalia wore a soft green dress and a delicate necklace that said 'Love.' The picture was calm but emotional. Fans noticed how peaceful the moment felt. Vanessa's message read, 'Happy Birthday brother! Happy Birthday to you all! Happy Birthday.' She also tagged Pau's Instagram, @paugasol. It wasn't just a greeting. It was another sign of how close these families still are. Pau Gasol's Bond with Kobe Bryant continues through the Bryant family Pau Gasol played with Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers between 2008 and 2014. Together, they won NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. But what fans remember most isn't just the games. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Rolls-Royce Of Hearing Aids (And Under $100) risinghealthtrends Learn More Undo It's the friendship. Kobe often called Pau his 'brother.' That wasn't just a word. It became real in the years after Kobe and Gianna Bryant died in 2020. Since then, Pau has stayed close to Vanessa and the girls. He's there for special days, small gatherings, and family time. In 2022, he named his baby girl Elisabet Gianna Gasol to honor Gianna. In 2023, Pau told ESPN, 'I promised Kobe I would always be there. They are family to me.' And he's kept that promise. Also Read: LeBron James drops bold shirtless gym photos with intense training stats and ice-cold recovery reveal Vanessa's post didn't need long captions or big words. The photo said enough. A birthday message, a quiet smile, a necklace that reads 'Love' sometimes, that's all it takes to show how strong a bond really is. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Kobe [Bryant] Didn't Play Well": Dwyane Wade Discredits Lakers Legend; Says Pau Gasol Deserved 2010 NBA Finals MVP
"Kobe [Bryant] Didn't Play Well": Dwyane Wade Discredits Lakers Legend; Says Pau Gasol Deserved 2010 NBA Finals MVP originally appeared on Fadeaway World. One of the few achievements that Kobe Bryant was yet to conquer after the 2008 season, when he won the regular season MVP award, was the NBA Finals MVP Award. Bryant appeared in the Finals seven times with the Lakers in his career and only won the award twice, in 2009 and 2010. Advertisement During the 2008 Finals, the Celtics won the championship and Paul Pierce took the Finals MVP award home, but in the 2009 appearance, Bryant finally got the award for the first time in his career. However, the second time he won the award, many people felt that he did not deserve to win the award. And instead, his teammate Pau Gasol should have won it. Among those people is the Heat legend Dwyane Wade. On the latest episode of his podcast, Wade was explaining what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needs to learn from Kobe Bryant when he recalled his last run in the NBA Finals. While he was trying to teach Gilgeous-Alexander a lesson, he inadvertently discredited the Lakers legend. 'A lot of people don't know that, in that Finals, the last Finals that they won, Kobe didn't play well. Kobe didn't shoot the ball well; actually, everybody thought Pau Gasol should have been the MVP. That's how well Pau was playing, and Kobe was playing awful." "But you never could tell when you turned the TV on that he was struggling. Because his leadership is always there, his intensity is always- that fire is always there. So, because he's 8 for 24 from the field or something like that, you could never tell with a player like Kobe.' Advertisement While Wade was trying to give Gilgeous-Alexander a lesson, he reminded the NBA fans that, essentially, Bryant's impact on his team won him the Finals MVP in 2010. Did Kobe Bryant Deserve The 2010 NBA Finals MVP? Pau Gasol averaged 18.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 47.8% from the floor, averaging 12.9 attempts in seven games of the 2010 NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant averaged 28.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in that series. He shot 40.5% from the floor while averaging 23.3 attempts per game, nearly twice as many as Pau Gasol. And while on paper, these numbers don't seem all that bad, Bryant struggled in three of the seven games. Advertisement In Game 2, he shot 40% from the floor (8 for 20) and struggled mainly from beyond the arc, where he went two of seven (28.6%) in that game. In Game 3, he shot 34.5% from the floor (10 of 29) and went one of seven from beyond the arc (14.3%). And in the close-out game, Game 7, Bryant also did not have a particularly memorable performance. He went 6 of 24 in the field (25%) and did not make a single one of his six attempts from beyond the arc. Looking at the facts as shown above, do you agree with Wade that Pau Gasol, not Kobe Bryant, deserved to win the 2010 Finals MVP? In my personal opinion, Bryant still deserved the Finals MVP. The Celtics focused their entire defensive attention on Bryant, which can lead to the argument that his teammates would not get the open looks they did if he did not draw as much attention as he did. He showed up for the team in crucial moments on multiple occasions, including three 30-point games in this series. While he may not have been as efficient as Gasol, he still deserved the award since I can conclusively say the Lakers would not have won the 2010 Finals without Kobe Bryant, but they may have won it with another big instead of Pau Gasol. Related: Former NBA Players Think Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is The Next Kobe Bryant This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
